Inmates of District Jail celebrate Holi

As part of celebrations of Holi 2021, a cultural programme was presented by the inmates of District Jail, Amphalla here today.

Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar was the Chief Guest on the occasion while as DGP Prisons, V. K. Singh, DIG Prisons, J&K, Dr. Mohammad Sultan Lone, HODs of various departments of University of Jammu, clinical psychologists, officers of prison department were also present on the occasion.

During the programme various cultural items, folk songs, bollywood classics and sufi songs were presented by the inmates amid huge applause from the audience. The programme was conducted under proper COVID-19 SOPs and protocols.

DGP Prisons, V. K. Singh in his address expressed his profound gratitude to Prof. Manoj Dhar for inspiring the inmates towards reformation. He highlighted that the Department is working towards making jails more tech savy with introduction of video conferencing facility for trial, remand purpose, e-mulaqat facility and Prison Inmate Calling System besides establishment of modern interview rooms in jails is also in progress.

V.K Singh informed that during COVID pandemic 542 inmates across various Jails were affected by the virus of whom two died due to certain comorbidities. He said that presently there is only one COVID case from District Jail Kathua.

V.K Singh further said that cognitive behavioral therapy was taken up for insomnia affected inmates at District Jail Jammu and Central Jail Jammu, Kot Bhalwal. He also informed that since March, 2020, 4204 inmates were released on bail by Courts and 41 inmates have been released on parole in pursuance of decisions taken by the High Powered Committee.

Prof. M. K. Dhar in his address appreciated the efforts made by the prison authorities for welfare of prisoners and initiatives taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged the inmates to make best utilization of their time in prisons by acquiring skills available in the prisons so as to be able to contribute as responsible citizens after their release.

Prof. Dhar said that the University will soon collaborate with the Prisons Department in conducting Skill Development Trainings for the prison inmates. He lauded the inmates who performed during the function and complimented the trainers & staff of Prisons Department for their efforts. He emphasized that inmates should be a part of the 75 week long Independence Day celebrations ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ announced by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

The VC said that efforts will be made to organize a program on similar lines at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day (August 15, 2021) to inspire the student community.

Earlier, Superintendent District Jail Jammu, Mirza Saleem Beig in his welcome address underlined various steps taken by the Prisons Department for welfare of prisoners and improving prison administration. He said that Prison administration is committed to providing better correctional programmes to the inmates which include educational and vocational training programmes, awareness programs and recreational activities

A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by the DGP, Prisons. Earlier, he also visited the interview room and product display unit of the jail